Lacy Kelley​#0401613

In the early morning of January 7, 1970, the body of Thomas Noethe, an attendant, was discovered in the Trax Oil Station in Cedar Rapids. Cause of death was a contact shotgun wound to the head. An empty casing of a Hawthrone Reliance 16 gauge shotgun shell was discovered at the scene. Store records revealed Lacy Kelley had purchased a box of such shells on January 5.

Thomas’ brother informed police a cigar box marked “Trax” in which money was kept and a coin changer was missing. A search warrant was obtained. A cigar box and money changer identified by Thomas’ brother were discovered in Lacy’s apartment, as well as a 16 gauge shotgun. An FBI report indicated the shotgun was the one used to kill Thomas. Lacy’s fingerprints were also found on the cigar box. The police obtained a confession from Lacy in which he admitted holding up the gas station and shooting Thomas.